SCOUTING REPORT: Afflalo is a hard-nosed player who hates to lose perhaps more than anyone on the Magic roster. Last season, he recorded career-high averages in minutes, points, rebounds and assists. He entered last season as a career 40.5 percent 3-point shooter, but he connected on just 30.0 percent of his 3-point tries last season, perhaps because the Magic didn't have a consistent low-post scoring threat and failed to generate many corner 3s. Afflalo is a tenacious, willing defender, but his defense wasn't up to his standards last season. (It didn't help that he sometimes had to play small forward and defend much taller players.) He missed the season's final 12 games because of a right-hamstring strain.

THE SEASON AHEAD:Afflalo is fully healed from his hamstring injury, and he spent several months of his offseason following an intense workout regimen to boost his endurance and help his defense. If he remains injury-free, he'll begin the season as the team's starting shooting guard. His competitiveness and work ethic are significant assets to the Magic, and he sets a good example for the team's young players. But if the team struggles again, as expected, Afflalo and the rest of the team's veterans will have to find a way to keep themselves engaged. Given the team's youth movement, Afflalo might be challenged for playing time by second overall pick Victor Oladipo.

ODDS & ENDS: Afflalo grew up in the Los Angeles area. . . . He helped lead UCLA to the Final Four in two consecutive seasons. . . . He loves to play pingpong. . . . His Twitter handle is @arronafflalo.